In pictures: Kiev's deadly clashes

Protesters continued to clash with riot police in central Kiev on Thursday, February 20.

Kiev, Ukraine - As violence exploded on Thursday night and heavy smoke from burning barricades at the protesters' encampment belched into the sky, three European foreign ministers were meeting with President Viktor Yanukovich, according to a presidential aide.

On Friday, Yanukovich announced a deal with opposition leaders to hold early presidential elections, form a government of national unity and make constitutional changes reducing his powers.

"Unless he's prepared to stand down, this deal, if there is one and it goes through, will not succeed. [The opposition] expect nothing more than the departure of the president," said Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons, reporting from Kiev.

The demonstrators, who have been protesting against Yanukovich's decision to strengthen ties with Russia at the expense of the European Union, pushed police forces back some 200 metres on Thursday night to retake control of the whole of Independence square, which anti-government protesters have occupied since November.

An Associated Press journalist said he had seen 10 bodies lying in the street, while a Reuters photographer said they had seen 15 bodies, covered by blankets on or near the downtown square.

Protesters carry one of their wounded. Hundreds of armed demonstrators charged police barricades on Thursday in Kiev(***)s central Independence Square, despite a truce called just hours earlier by the country(***)s embattled president.

Protesters pushed the police back about 200 metres and regained control of most of the square.

Parts of the country, mostly in its western cities, are in open revolt against Yanukovich(***)s central government, while many in eastern Ukraine back the president and favour strong ties with Russia.

These has been no confirmation on the total number of injured during clashes.

Protesters negotiate with police forces after breaking through a key blockade.

Protesters detained more than 60 policemen during the face off against heavily armed riot police on Thursday.

"Ukrainian police shot back when protesters opened fire on officers between the main protest square in Kiev and the parliament building," a police statement said.

Anti-government protesters rest during clashes with riot police.

An elderly protester smokes during a brief break in clashes.

Protesters celebrate breaking through a police blockade.

Late on Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament passed a measure that would prohibit the "anti-terrorist operation" threatened by Yanukovich to restore order, and called for all interior ministry troops to return to their bases.

Yanukovich and the opposition protesters are locked in a battle over the identity of Ukraine, a nation of 46 million that has divided loyalties between Russia and the West.

At least 75 people have been reported dead in the violence that has plagued the capital in recent days.